Public Performance Rights Policy

Nov. 27th, 2013

What are Public Performance Rights?

Public Performance Rights (PPR) are the legal rights to publicly show a film or video (media). Normally the media producer or distributor manages these rights. The rights-holder can assign PPR to others through a Public Performance License.

When are Public Performance Rights Required?

PPR are required for all screenings of copyrighted media to audiences outside of regular curriculum.

Examples: Student club events; extracurricular sponsored events such as general lectures; film series

PPR are not required for: home viewing; Screening media in the context of face-to-face teaching in the service of regular curricula.

Why should you learn about Public Performance Rights?

Showing media, whether borrowed from the library or rented / purchased, to groups outside of the classroom may be illegal, and may place the College at risk legally.

Does Barber Library purchase videos/films with Public Performance Rights?

Since COCC's Barber Library acquires media to support the curriculum, and face-to-face teaching is exempt from PPR, Barber Library does not typically secure PPR with video purchases. However, many distributors of our educational videos include PPR in the purchase price, which means these videos can be shown anywhere to anyone. In this case, the performance rights are included.

In very limited cases, Barber Library will purchase a film/video in cooperation with another department on campus (for example, Student Life), which pays the performance rights. This would be particularly suitable if the video in question has lasting merit for both the library collection and for campus as a publicly screened item. In that case, the video will be placed in the library collection and be identified as having performance rights.

In most cases, COCC departments and clubs will be responsible for securing PPR for a particular performance of a video.

How can you tell if a video from Barber Library has Public Performance Rights?

Videos in the Barber Library collection with PPR include the note "COCC Public Performance Rights Only" in the x (note) field of the item record. Videos with Public Performance Rights will also have a label on the cover.

Securing Public Performance Rights

Individuals and organizations are responsible for obtaining performance rights for all publicly screened media. In most cases, this is the responsibility of the club or department wanting to show the video, and may be secured for a specific performance. Note: PPR are not
necessary when showing a video in the context of a course or class.